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Former Iron Maiden Drummer Clive Burr Passes Away

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Saddened to hear that one of my absolute heroes in former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr passed away last night.

Clive had been suffering poor health for many years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Steve Harris said “This is terribly sad news. Clive was a very old friend of all of us. He was a wonderful person and an amazing drummer who made a valuable contribution to Maiden in the early days when we were starting out. This is a sad day for everyone in the band and those around him and our thoughts and condolences are with his partner Mimi and family at this time.”

Bruce Dickinson adds “I first met Clive when he was leaving Samson and joining Iron Maiden. He was a great guy and a man who really lived his life to the full. Even during the darkest days of his M.S., Clive never lost his sense of humour or irreverence. This is a terribly sad day and all our thoughts are with Mimi and the family.”

As a diehard Iron Maiden fan, Clive was immediately my fave member of the band and I was gutted the day he left Iron Maiden at the end of 1982, but nothing can surpass the feelings upon hearing this news tonight.

To this day I rank Clive Burr as one of the greatest drummers I had ever heard and was he was a chief inspiration to me when I played in a band back in the day.

There goes my hero.

Rest in Peace Clive. You were the best!

Tributes:

Charlie Benante: “Clive Burr…One of my favorite drummers of all time. A quick story. It was 1981. I was hanging with friends in the back of the Palladium in New York City. JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN were playing. Two taxis pull up and MAIDEN get out, Steve [Harris, IRON MAIDEN bassist] and Clive hang and talk for a bit. Clive at the time was an up-and-coming drummer that I thought played with a style all his own. The drumming on ‘Killers’ inspired me to kick it up a notch and I did. I spoke with him and asked him for a pair of sticks. When he was done signing things, he went into the venue and 10 minutes later came out with a pair of sticks for me. I still have those sticks. He was awesome. I was bummed when MAIDEN let him go. RIP, Clive, You have influenced so many, and to this day nobody plays like you.”

Dee Snider: “After a long battle with multiple sclerosis, my dear friend Clive Burr [former IRON MAIDEN drummer] passed away in his sleep last night. We worked together on a project called DESPERADO from 1988-1990 and shared some great times, and sadly forgotten musical moments. I’m blessed to have spoken to him a couple of days ago on his birthday, shared some memories and a few smiles. A rock ‘n’ roll legend has been lost, and the world of music is less because of it. RIP, Clive, and ‘hit ’em hard’ in rock ‘n’ roll heaven.”

Paul Di’Anno: “Sad to hear of your passing. You will always be in my heart, Clive. A truly unique talent that will never be forgotten.”

Brian Slagel: Metal Blade Records: “”So sad. Clive was a great guy.”

Dave Lombardo: “Sadness overcame my morning when I heard this news. His style was inspiring and the albums he recorded with Iron Maiden are touchstones of my music education. He played with a particular energy which bought edge and excitement to the Iron Maiden classics. I never got to meet him, but I wish did. The best thing for me to do right now is listen to some classic Iron Maiden. Up The Irons!”

Machine Head’s Dave McClain: “Very sad news. One of my favorite drummers and a huge influence on me as a young drummer. To me, he brought punk rock drumming into heavy metal. I can remember walking into the Hemisphere Arena in San Antonio to see Iron Maiden and seeing Clive’s white kit on stage. I about crapped my pants! I just stood there in awe looking at the actual kit that I had been staring at on the back of the “Killers” album cover for the whole summer. I was a HAPPY kid! He will always be an inspiration to my drumming. One of my go-to guys when I’m trying to find different drum fills and beats, or I’ll ask myself “what would Clive do?”. RIP Clive”

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson: “I was so saddened to hear of Clive Burr passing away today. He was one of my all time favorite Metal drummers. I’m thankful for his music and contributions.”

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner:

“Not a prisoner, I’m a free man
And my blood is my own now
Don’t care where the past was
I know where I’m going”

Paul Bostaph: “I’m truly saddened to hear of Clive Bur’s passing. His drumming has had and still has a strong influence on my playing style. I bummed I never go to meet him and thank him in person for his musical gifts. God speed Clive!”

Shadows Fall skinbeater Jason Bittner: “REST IN PEACE MR.CLIVE BURR!!!!! My first ever favorite Heavy Metal Drummer!! So many great beats, grooves, and killer hi hat work……….the man had some fast hands, and will be missed! Up the Irons!!”

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